Women in Syria History What is the history of women in Syria? 1919, Naziq al-Abid founded Noor al-Fayha (Light of Damascus), the city's first women's organization, alongside an affiliated publication of the same name. Did anybody join the organisation later on? In 1967 Syrian women formed a quasi-governmental organization called the General Union of Syrian Women (GUSW), What challenge did the organisation face? Throughout the 40 year reign, outbreaks of both nonviolent and violent acts emerged. Did the organisation stop or get stopped? Syrian officials and they knew in order to get the women and children to leave would need to fulfill their demands. Which other notable names were mentioned int he history? Bashar Al-Assad.
What was his role in the history?
What was Bashar Al-Assad's role in the history?
In the 20th century a movement for women's rights developed in Syria, made up largely of upper-class, educated women. In 1919, Naziq al-Abid founded Noor al-Fayha (Light of Damascus), the city's first women's organization, alongside an affiliated publication of the same name. She was made an honorary general of the Syrian Army after fighting in the Battle of Maysaloun, and in 1922 she founded the Syrian Red Crescent. In 1928 Lebanese-Syrian feminist Nazira Zain al-Din, one of the first people to critically reinterpret the Quran from a feminist perspective, published a book condemning the practice of veiling or hijab, arguing that Islam requires women to be treated equally with men.  In 1963 the Ba'th Party took power in Syria, and pledged full equality between women and men as well as full workforce participation for women.  In 1967 Syrian women formed a quasi-governmental organization called the General Union of Syrian Women (GUSW), a coalition of women's welfare societies, educational associations, and voluntary councils intended to achieve equal opportunity for women in Syria.  Women in Syria have also been integral in acts of nonviolence in response to the Syrian dictator, Bashar Al-Assad. In 2011, conflict was emerging throughout Syria due to the long reign of the Assad family. Throughout the 40 year reign, outbreaks of both nonviolent and violent acts emerged. Assad reacted to these actions by increasing arrests and the killings of Syrian men and women. In response to Assad's increasing arrests and killings, Syrian women and children gathered together. The women and children rallied together and marched to the main highway where they blocked the roadway. This act of nonviolence lead to civilians and military not being able to get where they were going to. This did not make the military very happy. The military came in with tanks and were making various threats towards the protesters but that did not scare them off. Later that day over one hundred Syrian prisoners were released. This was significant because the power women and children had through their nonviolent protest. Their issue of wanting their husbands and sons released from prison was understood by Syrian officials and they knew in order to get the women and children to leave would need to fulfill their demands. CANNOTANSWER
In 2011, conflict was emerging throughout Syria due to the long reign of the Assad family.
Women in Syria constitute 49.4% of Syria's population, and are active participants not only in everyday life, but also in the socio-political fields.

History 
In the 20th century a movement for women's rights developed in Syria, made up largely of upper-class, educated women. In 1919, Naziq al-Abid founded Noor al-Fayha (Light of Damascus), the city's first women's organization, alongside an affiliated publication of the same name. She was made an honorary general of the Syrian Army after fighting in the Battle of Maysaloun, and in 1922 she founded the Syrian Red Crescent. In 1928 Lebanese-Syrian feminist Nazira Zain al-Din, one of the first people to critically reinterpret the Quran from a feminist perspective, published a book condemning the practice of veiling or hijab, arguing that Islam requires women to be treated equally with men.  In 1930, the First Eastern Women's Congress was hosted in Damascus.

In 1963 the Ba'ath Party took power in Syria, and pledged full equality between women and men as well as full workforce participation for women.

In 1967 Syrian women formed a quasi-governmental organization called the General Union of Syrian Women (GUSW), a coalition of women's welfare societies, educational associations, and voluntary councils intended to achieve equal opportunity for women in Syria.

The year 2011 marked the beginning of the Syrian Civil War, where many civilians have fallen victim to attacks targeted at hospitals, schools, and infrastructure. Extremist rebel groups, such as Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIS, have enforced strict policies restricting freedoms of women in territories they control.

After the outbreak of civil war, some Syrian women have joined all-female brigade units in the Syrian Arab Army, the Democratic Union Party, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, taking on roles such as snipers, frontline units, or police.

Legal rights 
While Syria has developed some fairly secular features during independence in the second half of the 20th century, personal status law is still based on Sharia and applied by Sharia Courts. Syria has a dual legal system which includes both secular and religious courts. Marriage contracts are between the groom and the bride's father, and Syrian law does not recognize the concept of marital rape.

Syrian women are legally allowed to participate in everyday life, although they are not guaranteed a spot in being part of political, social, cultural and economic categories. The legal marriage for females in Syria is seventeen years old and eighteen for males. Women are technically allowed to have a say in what the agreements are between them and the groom. Although, since this contract has to be signed by the groom and the male guardian of the bride, her wishes are rarely met. On the other hand, of marriage, the divorce laws are unique in Syria. Women are in fact allowed to file for divorce except it is a long drawn out process and she must get consent from her husband. There are some circumstances in which the woman can apply for a divorce through the judicial system. In order to do this, she must prove that her husband has abused her or neglected his other duties as a husband. If a man wants to divorce a woman, all he has to do is go to court and orally demand a divorce three times, then the court will order him a divorce.

Education 

The early schooling in Syria starts at six years old and ends at the age of eighteen. In Syrian universities, women and men attend the same classes. Between 1970 and the late 1990s, the female population in schools dramatically increased. This increase included the early school years, along with the upper-level schools such as universities and higher education. Although the number of women has increased, there are still ninety five women to every one hundred men. Although many women start going to school, the dropout rate for women is much higher than for men.

The literacy rate for women is 74.2 percent and 91 percent for men. The rate of females over 25 with secondary education is 29.0 percent.

Politics 

In Syria, women in Syria were first allowed to vote and received universal suffrage in 1953. In the 1950s, Thuraya Al-Hafez ran for Parliament, but was not elected. By 1971, women held four out of the 173 seats.

The current president of Syria is a male. There are also two vice presidents (including female vice president Najah al-Attar since 2006), a prime minister and a cabinet. As of 2012, in the national parliament men held 88% of the seats while women held 12%. The Syrian Parliament was previously led by female Speaker Hadiya Khalaf Abbas, the first woman to have held that position.

President Assad's political and media adviser is Bouthaina Shaaban. Shaaban served as the first Minister of Expatriates for the Syrian Arab Republic, between 2003 and 2008, and she has been described as the Syrian government's face to the outside world.

Of the civil society representatives among the 150 members of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, which was assembled in 2019 by the Syria Envoy of the United Nations, Syrian women comprise around 30%. Several renowned Syrian women, such as academic Bassma Kodmani, Sabah Hallak of the Syrian Women's League, the law professor Amal Yazji or the judge Iman Shahoud, sit on the committee's influential 'Small' or Drafting Body.

Role in economy and in the military 

In 1989 the Syrian government passed a law requiring factories and public institutions to provide on-site childcare.

However, women's involvement in the workforce is low; according to World Bank, as of 2014, women made up 16.4% of the labor force.

Women are not conscripted in the military, but may serve voluntarily. The female militias of Syria are trained to fight for the Syrian president, Bashar al-Assad. A video was found dating back to the 1980s with female soldiers showing their pride and protectiveness toward Assad's father. "Because women are rarely involved in the armed side of the revolution, they are much less likely to get stopped, searched, or hassled at government checkpoints. This has proved crucial in distributing humanitarian aid throughout Syria."

Women's health 

Between 2010 and 2015, the average life expectancy at birth for women in Syria is 77.7 years, compared with 74.5 years for men.

Impact of the conflict on Syria's women 
Since the conflict erupted in 2011, women in Syria, namely in conflict zones, have been facing violence, sexual assault, forced displacement, detension, domestic violence, child marriage and other violations of their rights.

During the years of conflict, insecurity and the economic collapse significantly increased the vulnerability of women and girls. In addition, many girls were left without schooling or access to healthcare services. The enrolment rate for primary education was 61% in 2013, with 61.1% of the total number being female, while for secondary education, the rate was 44% in 2013 - 43.8% for female.

In 2015, the United Nations gathered evidence of systematic sexual assault of women and girls by combatants in Syria, and this was escalated by the Islamic State (ISIL) and other terrorist organizations.

Crime against women

Honor killings
Honor killings take place in Syria in situations where women are deemed to have brought shame to the family, affecting the family's 'reputation' in the community. Some estimates suggest that more than 200 honor killings occur every year in Syria.

Forced and child marriage
The conflict in Syria has led to an increase in child marriages. The harsh living conditions, the insecurity, and the fear of rape, have led families to force their daughters into early marriages.
 As a result of early marriage, many girls in Syria are forbidden from completing their studies because when a girl is married she is only expected to be a good wife and a good mother as well. Child marriage can influence physical and mental health badly. Physical damage can be related to child bearing specially for women under 18 years old and the possibility for not being able to give birth later in life, and in extreme cases it can lead to death. Psychological factors can be defined as difficulties in interacting with the husband or not having enough awareness about marriage life and its responsibilities.

Domestic Violence 
A study covering the low-income women in Aleppo, an area where domestic abuse is more likely due to the tribal nature of the area, shows that physical abuse (battering at least 3 times in the last year) was found in 23% of the investigated women in 2003, 26% amongst married women. Regular abuse (battering at least once weekly) was found in 3.3% of married women, with no regular abused reported by non-married women. The prevalence of physical abuse amongst country residents was 44.3% compared to 18.8% amongst city residents. In most cases (87.4%) the abuse was inflicted by the husband, and in 9.5% of cases, the abuse was inflicted by more than one person. Correlates of physical abuse were women's education, religion, age, marital status, economic status, mental distress, smoking and residence.

Federation of Northern Syria - Rojava 

With the Syrian Civil War, the Kurdish populated area in Northern Syria has gained de facto autonomy as the Federation of Northern Syria - Rojava, with the leading political actor being the progressive Democratic Union Party (PYD). Kurdish women have several armed and non-armed organizations in Rojava, and enhancing women's rights is a major focus of the political and societal agenda. Kurdish female fighters in the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) played a key role during the Siege of Kobani and in rescuing Yazidis trapped on Mount Sinjar, and their achievements have attracted international attention as a rare example of strong female achievement in a region in which women are heavily repressed.

The civil laws of Syria are valid in Rojava, as far as they do not conflict with the Constitution of Rojava. One notable example for amendment is personal status law, in Syria still Sharia-based, where Rojava introduced civil law and proclaims absolute equality of women under the law and a ban on forced marriage as well as polygamy was introduced, while underage marriage was outlawed as well. For the first time in Syrian history, civil marriage is being allowed and promoted, a significant move towards a secular open society and intermarriage between people of different religious backgrounds.

The legal efforts to reduce cases of underage marriage, polygamy and honor killings are underpinned by comprehensive public awareness campaigns. In every town and village, a women's house is established. These are community centers run by women, providing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of harm. These services include counseling, family mediation, legal support, and coordinating safe houses for women and children. Classes on economic independence and social empowerment programs are also held at women's houses.

All administrative organs in Rojava are required to have male and female co-chairs, and forty percent of the members of any governing body in Rojava must be female. An estimated 25 percent of the Asayish police force of the Rojava cantons are women, and joining the Asayish is described in international media as a huge act of personal and societal liberation from an extremely patriarchical background, for ethnic Kurdish and ethnic Arab women alike.

The PYD's political agenda of "trying to break the honor-based religious and tribal rules that confine women" is controversial in conservative quarters of society.

Notable women 
 Hadiya Khalaf Abbas, Speaker of the People's Council of Syria (since 2016).
 Asya Abdullah is the co-chairwoman of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the leading political party in Rojava.
 Asma al-Assad, the First Lady of Syria and the wife of the current President Assad
 Najah al-Attar, Vice President of Syria (since 2006).
 Randa Kassis, President of The Astana Platform of the Syrian opposition. 
 Suheir Atassi, Vice President of the opposition government.
 Samar Al Dayyoub, literary critic and writer
 Khawla Dunia, opposition activist and poet
 Îlham Ehmed is co-chairwoman of the Syrian Democratic Council.
 Hêvî Îbrahîm is the prime minister of Afrin Canton.
 Samira Khalil, dissident
 Ulfat Idilbi, best-selling Arabic-language novelist.
 Assala Nasri is a musical artist
Souad Nawfal, opposition activist and schoolteacher.
 Rasha Omran, poet
 Bouthaina Shaaban, Bashar al-Assad's political adviser and previous Minister of Expatriates
 Muna Wassef, theater, television, and film actress.
 Hediya Yousef is an ex-guerilla and co-chairwoman of the executive committee of the Federation of Northern Syria – Rojava.
 Razan Zaitouneh, human rights lawyer and activist.

References

External links 

 Survey: Discrimination against Women in Syrian Society (I/II). Awareness of Women Rights and Freedoms,  The Day After Association, August 2017 
 Survey: Discrimination Against Women in Syrian Society (II/II): Perception of Domestic Violence,  The Day After Association, August 2017 

 
Asian women
EdgeWork was a small press magazine published by Atlas Games starting in 1994 that was devoted to the role-playing game Over the Edge.

Publication history
EdgeWork was a fanzine for the surreal role-playing game Over the Edge. It was first published in 1994, and lasted for four issues. The last issue also appeared in 1994.

Reception
In the May 1994 edition of Dragon (Issue #205), Rick Swan reviewed the first issue, and admitted "I’m a sucker for fanzines. What they lack in polish, they usually make up in spunk, and EdgeWork, devoted to the eccentric Over the Edge game, is no exception." He concluded, "EdgeWork may have the editorial budget of a school newspaper, but for OTE enthusiasts, it’s more essential than the New York Times."

References

Defunct magazines published in the United States
Hobby magazines published in the United States
Magazines established in 1994
Magazines disestablished in 1994
Role-playing game magazines Ernest Lee Thomas (born March 26, 1949) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas on the 1970s ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, and its 1980s syndicated sequel, What's Happening Now!!, and for his recurring role as Mr. Omar on Everybody Hates Chris.

Early career and What's Happening!!

Thomas was born in Gary, Indiana, and began his professional acting career as a Broadway actor, appearing in the 1974 revival production of Love for Love and in the 1975 revival of The Member of the Wedding.  Both shows starred actress Glenn Close.  Shortly after he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a TV/film actor.  In the fall of 1975 he received a role on an episode of The Jeffersons.  It was during the taping of the show that he learned of an audition for a sitcom loosely based on the 1975 film Cooley High. Thomas auditioned, won the lead role, and filmed the television pilot, which tested poorly.  The concept was quickly reworked into a more light-hearted approach to the source material, and became known as Central Avenue, before settling on the title What's Happening!!.  Thomas was the only cast member retained from the pilot, and took the lead role of Roger "Raj" Thomas.  The new "summer series" became a ratings hit, and was expanded to a full series, airing from 1976 to 1979.

During the show's run, Thomas was involved in other film and TV projects including Baretta, The Brady Bunch Hour and the film A Piece of the Action starring Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby.  During the first season of What's Happening!!, Thomas was one of the final two actors to be considered for the lead role of Kunta Kinte in the breakthrough miniseries Roots, which eventually went to LeVar Burton.  Thomas would go on to play the smaller role of Kailuba in the miniseries.

What's Happening Now!! and later career
After a six-year hiatus from TV and film acting, Ernest resumed his role as Roger "Raj" Thomas in the sequel What's Happening Now!!  The show aired in first-run syndication from 1985 to 1988.

Since the show's cancellation Thomas has guest starred on a number of popular TV dramas and sitcoms including In the Heat of the Night, (which co-starred his TV wife Anne-Marie Johnson, from What's Happening Now!!), The Parent 'Hood, Martin (which starred his What's Happening Now!! co-star Martin Lawrence), Soul Food, The Steve Harvey Show, All About the Andersons and more recently Just Jordan. He has also appeared in a number of films, including a supporting role in Malcolm X and a cameo in Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star. He later had a recurring role as funeral director, Mr. Omar, on the TV sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. He had an uncredited guest spot as Ernest T "Bass" on the TV show Are We There Yet? It was titled, "The Satchel Paige Episode" and had him playing a Flavor Flav type personality.

In 2012, Thomas was cast in rocker/horror movie director Rob Zombie's 2012 film The Lords of Salem. In 2016, he was in a comedic body horror short film called Earworm.

He has an eye condition called amblyopia.

Filmography
1976-1979: What's Happening!! (TV Series) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
1977: A Piece of the Action - John
1985-1988: What's Happening Now!! (TV Series) - Roger 'Raj' Thomas
1991: Kiss and Be Killed - Det. Ross
1992: Malcolm X - Sidney
2003: The Watermelon Heist - Jailer
2003: Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star - Ernest Thomas
2005-2009: Everybody Hates Chris (TV Series) - Mr. Omar / Funeral Director / Radical Man
2007: Paroled - Royce Henderson
2009: Funny People - Yo Teach Principal
2012: The Lords of Salem - Chip McDonald (Frankenstein and the Witchhunter) (uncredited)
2013: The Pastor and Mrs. Jones - Pastor
2014: Basketball Girlfriend - Lenny
2014: Revenge - Neville
2014: The Slimbones - Uncle AB
2015: Mega Shark vs. Kolossus - Admiral Titus Jackson
2015: Chocolate City - Diner Manager
2016: '79 Parts - Priore
2016: Stop Bullying Now: Live from the Big House - Himself
2016 - Earworm (short)
2017: Chocolate City: Vegas Strip - Mr. Williams
2017: The Gods - Olympus
2017: Two Wolves - Olivier

References

External links

1949 births
Living people
Male actors from Indiana
American male film actors
American male stage actors
American male television actors
African-American male actors
20th-century American male actors
21st-century American male actors
People from Gary, Indiana
20th-century African-American people
21st-century African-American people